A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim forfeiture order for property valued at N11.14 billion allegedly linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.
The order was issued on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke following an ex parte application filed by Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court’s directive mandates the temporary forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government. Oyedepo informed the court that Emefiele is suspected of acquiring high-value properties, primarily in upscale areas of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by proxy using proceeds from fraudulent activities.
According to the EFCC, three CBN staff members—Makinde Olubunmi, Obayemi Teben, and Adebayo Akomolafe—were Emefiele’s accomplices. They allegedly exploited their positions to secure retail and special allocations of foreign exchange for various companies in exchange for kickbacks.
Justice Aneke has ordered the EFCC to publish the forfeiture order in a newspaper, allowing any interested party or parties to present reasons why a final forfeiture order should not be issued. The case has been adjourned to June 21, 2024, for the hearing of the motion for final forfeiture.
